The partnership, which will be grounded in Microsoft's Transforma Chile digital skills plan, will cover three main segments called Advanced Analytics, Infrastructure Migration and Digital Academy.

The partners will explore new advanced analytics applications that streamline and accelerate of Codelco's existing strategy, said the firms.

The Digital Academy will be a training programme for Codelco workers supposed by the US software giant, which will also provide technological expertise in AI and cloud computing applications.+66

"I am proud to be able to work with Codelco in transforming the sector by also training its people in new skills, "said Sergio Rademacher, general manager of Microsoft Chile.

"Cloud and Artificial Intelligence have the potential to promote development and economic recovery in our country", he added. 

Álvaro García, Vice President of Technology and Automation in Business processes at Codelco, said "We are strengthening the quality and efficiency of our processes. We promote profound changes so that different areas can operate in a completely remote and automated way. This will reduce risks, and improve the productivity, safety and reliability of our operations."

He added that the recent attack on a US pipeline highlighted the need for better cybersecurity at mines and processing plants.

"New connectivity roads are being formed through digitalisation, as state-of-the-art LTE technology guarantees better netowkr connections. Cybersecurity is being permanently reinforced and decision-making based on advanced analytics is now a reality."